COVID-19 Information for Staff
The health, safety, and well-being of our community, on and off campus, is our top priority. Until further notice, staff who are able to work remotely should be doing so. Meetings are being conducted through Zoom or conference calls. Harvard University Information Technology has compiled a Zoom Training and Help resource page for basics on set-up and troubleshooting. Harvard's Work Remotely website also offers additional resources. If you have technical questions, contact the Help Desk; for all other issues, please contact your manager or Human Resources staff.
As planning for a Fall 2021 return to campus proceeds, we strongly advise COVID vaccination for all members of our community as soon as you are eligible. A high vaccination rate in our community is fundamental to our planning for a return to in-person learning and activity.
We encourage all members of the GSD community to make plans to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible, whether you are local to Cambridge or currently residing abroad. Please visit the University’s vaccine webpage for further information. While Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) continues to be prepared to administer vaccine to increasing numbers of our community as the State of Massachusetts makes more vaccine available to us, we advise each member of our community to make plans for vaccinations beyond the HUHS purview.
In order to monitor progress toward full vaccination within our community, please send a clear copy of your completed vaccination card to HUHS at mrecords@huhs.harvard.edu. HUHS keeps this information secure and confidential. People vaccinated by HUHS do not need to submit this information, since it is already recorded.
Resources for Staff
Coronavirus Remote Work Resources
Coronavirus Workplace Policies
Emergencies that are University-Related
Harvard University COVID-19 Website
Harvard University Employee Assistance Program
Harvard University Frequently Asked Questions about Workplace Policies with regard to COVID-19*
HUIT Resources for Working Remotely
KGA Website instructions flyer 2021_ final
Remote Work/Life Tips for Staff
Remote Work/Life Tips for Managers
Virtual Events and Public Programs
*Please always refer to local guidelines for remote work and other local policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
My work is impossible to do from home. What should I do?
Staff who cannot perform all or some of their duties should work directly with their managers to identify alternative work that can be done remotely. GSD Human Resources should be consulted as needed.
How else can I stay informed of changes and updates?
Regular updates will be sent via email, and COVID-19 Guidance for the Harvard Graduate School of Design Community will continue to be updated with new information. Employees can visit the Workplace Policies page as the situation unfolds and should make sure that their personal and emergency contact information is up-to-date in PeopleSoft and MessageMe.
What happens if I become ill and cannot work?
Please refer to the University Workplace Guidelines.
I am a non-faculty academic employee (post doc, research associate, etc.). Will the GSD still help me arrange my visa?
Yes. Faculty Affairs will continue working individually with international faculty and with Harvard International Office on visas.
Can I still submit a sponsored research grant proposal?
Research Administration services will continue. Please contact Anne Mathew if you plan to submit a sponsored research grant proposal prior to May 1, 2020. Completed proposals must be submitted at least one month in advance of the sponsor's due date to provide adequate time for GSD internal and university-level review and approvals. For more information, contact Research Administration staff.
I need to access a GSD building for my research or course preparation. What should I do?
GSD facilities remain closed for most activities, but we are considering requests for limited access to support the “Virtual by Design” semester this fall. Access is restricted to faculty and staff who are providing direct support for access-dependent research and course preparation. In order to better define the GSD’s criteria and process, Building Services has developed the GSD Access Request Form. New requests should be made by submitting this form to buildingservices@gsd.harvard.edu.